More than a dozen senior generals and admirals have been fired since President Trump returned to the White House in January 2025, including the first women to lead the Navy and the Coast Guard, and the second African American to serve as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Here’s what you need to know about the sweeping military leadership changes:

The scope of military dismissals

Trump administration fires unprecedented number of senior officers:

The most recent firing

Defense Intelligence Agency director dismissed after Iran assessment leak:

The intelligence loyalty test criticism

Senate Democrat blasts firing as retaliation for honest analysis:

The Air Force chief departure

Top Air Force leader announces early retirement:

The Coast Guard commandant dismissal

First major firing occurred within days of Trump’s return:

The Joint Chiefs shakeup

Chairman and Navy chief among February dismissals:

The April intelligence and NATO firings

Spring dismissals targeted intelligence and international roles:

The gender discrimination concerns

Retired admiral warns about targeting female officers:

The 20% reduction plan

Pentagon announces systematic cuts to senior leadership:

The congressional skepticism

House Democrat questions lack of data-driven analysis:

Read more:

• Four-star firings: Trump in midst of complete overhaul of generals, admirals

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